Candidates for county commission and NC House answer ECO questions

From staff reports

Published: Friday, May 2, 2014 at 12:45 p.m.

Last Modified: Friday, May 2, 2014 at 11:43 a.m.

In advance of Tuesday's Republican primary election, members of the Environmental and Conservation Organization of Hendersonville posed a series of questions to candidates for the Henderson County Board of Commissioners and the District 117 seat in the N.C. House of Representatives.

Henderson County Board of Commissioners

Commissioner Larry Young did not respond to the questionnaire. Young, an incumbent, faces William Lapsley in the race for the District 3 seat on the board. In District 1, incumbent Michael Edney faces challengers Andrew Riddle and Hogan Corn. In District 4, incumbent Tommy Thompson faces Tim Griffin.

The candidates submitted the following responses:

What are the most pressing environmental issues in the county and how do you plan to address them?

Hogan Corn: I do not see any real pressing environmental issues at this time.

Michael Edney: I don't think you can focus on only one aspect of our environment. We are blessed to be able to live in an area with pristine air, water and land — all of which play a vital role in preserving a quality of life envied by many. The one overriding issue is how to maintain the balance of growth and economic prosperity with preserving and protecting our natural resources. I think the question answers itself. Our natural resources are the key ingredient to growth and prosperity, and we cannot kill the goose that provides our golden eggs.

Tim Griffin: I think erosion control and stormwater runoff is a great concern. With the amount of rain we have had in the last year, normally stable areas are water-saturated and more likely to erode. Stormwater runoff is a concern with the amount of construction in the county. With this much pavement and concrete, without proper natural filters our streams will become polluted.

William Lapsley: The rapidly growing area around the city of Hendersonville has been developed for the most part on individual on-site septic systems for wastewater disposal. This is a method that was designed for rural areas. This is an impeding public health and environmental disaster that has not been stressed enough by the county commission. It seems to me that the commission should be promoting the expansion of the public wastewater infrastructure throughout the urbanizing area of the county.

Andrew Riddle: The most pressing issue is sediment/erosion failures at Seven Falls. The 1973 North Carolina Sedimentation Pollution Control Act "requires anyone involved in land-disturbing activities to take special precautions to reduce soil erosion and prevent sedimentation damage to waterways and property." Willful noncompliance is considered a class 2 misdemeanor and punishable by a fine of up to $5,000. As your commissioner, following existing laws to address Seven Falls would be a priority. I believe the county could support multiple recycling stations throughout Henderson County to help citizens access stations versus just one at the county transfer station. The third most pressing issue is lack of long-term planning for growth in Henderson County. A plan is paramount for success. Henderson County needs to grow responsibly while preserving our natural resources. Furthermore, Henderson County needs to negotiate a buy-back of our land, water rights and water treatment plant in Mills River.

Tommy Thompson: The most pressing issue is the preservation and quality of our water. I am particularly concerned because I have heard rumors of Spartanburg, S.C., drawing water from Lake Adger in Polk County. Lake Adger's headwaters are located in the Tuxedo/Green River area. It is vitally important that we preserve these headwaters, Lake Summit and Green River by not allowing this area to be Spartanburg's watershed.

Heavy rains recently caused a catastrophic mudslide in Washington state. North Carolina landslide maps indicate that a similar disaster could happen here unless building rules are put in place to protect residents. What steps will you take as commission to address landslide issues?

Hogan Corn: Soil testing and compaction tests.

Michael Edney: As a victim of a mudslide, this issue is near and dear to my heart. We are one of the few, lucky counties with good landslide maps. We must publicize and take advantage of these so that people do not build in the areas subject to slides. Education is the key.

Tim Griffin: I believe the county is taking proper steps to control dense construction on steep elevation. I feel continued study on steep terrain and sticking by the construction limits will prevent any further incidents such as Burntshirt Mountain, Bear Rock Estates from occurring again.

William Lapsley: The problem of natural slope failures is similar to that of natural flood zones. It seems to me that the county government has a responsibility to notify the community of where landslide problems have a high risk of occurrence. A study called "Slope Movement Hazard Maps of Henderson County" was completed in April 2011. As you might predict, the steeper-slope areas are the most suspect for problems. We should check with other communities around the country to see how they have dealt with this issue. If a person decides to construct a building on or adjacent to a potential landslide area, they should do so with the full knowledge of the risk of a disaster to their investment. By the same token, the county development standards should include some clear design guidelines for new construction in landslide-prone areas that will not enhance the risk of a landslide (such as clear cutting on a steep slope).

Andrew Riddle: Western North Carolina slopes are prone to landslides. As commissioner I would require it be "disclosed" information that property you own or plan to purchase be identified as prone to landslides according to USGS. However, property rights are paramount. If one chooses to risk his/her own life by building and living on landslide-prone property, it ought to remain their right.

Tommy Thompson: Landslides are natural catastrophic events. The landslide maps to which we have access indicate several areas in Henderson County where these events could occur. First, it is my opinion that the owners of designated properties where landslides are potential should be notified. Second, ordinances should require sellers and realtors to disclose this information. Third, special precautions as to foundations and slope elevations should be mandated for the residents' safety.

Seven Falls created millions of dollars of damage to the land and surrounding streams and the county spent months trying to resolve this debacle. What steps will you take to ensure that future development is done in an environmentally responsible way?

Hogan Corn: The project needed to be insured at a higher rate, but there is no way to hedge against as many variables as occurred in this development.

Michael Edney: We have already revised the Land Development Code to incorporate lessons learned from the debacle. Seven Falls was developed under the code adopted by the previous Board of Commissioners. Had the developer followed the development plan and the law, it would not be in the mess it is in, but he didn't and is now sitting in federal prison. We as a community learned that the best way to protect ourselves from such in the future is to require developers to build in phases — finishing one thing before starting the next!

Tim Griffin: The added land-use requirements, such as requiring a minimum of 25 percent of the on-site improvements, requiring all permits must be in hand before construction. Funding being released as construction completes stages. Frequent inspections of the property by the land-use inspectors and site architect and if possible an environmental engineer. Bonding continuing in phases.

William Lapsley: There are already enough regulations in place to protect our natural resources from the impacts of new development. The recent impacts from the Seven Falls project were directly related to that particular project's financial collapse. The recent development regulation changes approved by county commissioners will significantly reduce the risk to the land buyers and the environment; however, we all need to understand that the risk cannot be totally removed.

Andrew Riddle: The environmental damage Seven Falls has and continues to create can be been prevented by enforcing existing laws. As a licensed general contractor in North Carolina, I would be fined $5,000 per day for not abiding by the rules. Henderson County should play by the same rules. As your next commissioner, I would ask the judge to release a portion of the remaining $5 million awarded to Henderson County from the bonding agency to deal with the sedimentation/erosion problems at Seven Falls. I am not a proponent of creating new laws when we will not abide by the ones we have.

Tommy Thompson: First, we cannot forbid developers subdividing property. Seven Falls is a most unfortunate environmental situation. Some would have you believe that the debacle was caused by a lack of oversight by Henderson County; however, the real failure to react, causing the problems, lies with the State of North Carolina and the Army Corps of Engineers. We as county commissioners are presently working and enacting ordinances which change the land use code to help prevent catastrophes like this being repeated. We are particularly making sure that large parcels are broken into smaller parcels and that a certain percentage of the work is completed before the next stage can commence. In addition, the first stage must also be competed to that same percentage before plats are filed and recorded. Should a developer fail to properly perform on any permit, then all permits will be rescinded. The Henderson County Planning Board is in the process of and will continue to evaluate ordinances as they apply to land development and advise the commissioners of recommended changes.

N.C. House District 117

What are the most pressing environmental issues in North Carolina? How do you plan to address them as a state legislator?

Ronnie Edwards: I believe that it's very difficult and somewhat misleading to point to one particular environmental problem and declare that it is the most pressing issue in North Carolina while ignoring all others. I believe that protection of our environment is one of the most important tasks that any elected official takes on when assuming an office. We must do all we can to preserve our natural resources and our diverse natural resources for our succeeding generations. I approach environmental issues from the point of view that we must maintain a balance between protection and rational use of our natural resources.

I believe that on a "short list" of issues that I think about are: the evaluation of the fracking process and whether it can be done in an environmentally sound manner; the quality of our air and water and the impact that a growing population and increased demand will have; the current process of storing environmentally damaging chemicals and by-products of business such as coal ash and nuclear waste and how we may be able to reduce and better handle the amount of waste that is produced by living that's sent to landfills in our state and to other states.

Chuck McGrady: The most pressing environmental issue is the coal ash issue. Following the Dan River spill and the realization that other coal ash ponds and pits are polluting our waters, I expect the legislature will address the issue. I am one of the House leaders on this issue, and I expect legislation will close existing coal ash ponds and require the cleanup of all of them.

The coal ash ponds and pits will each require different solutions — some will have to be completely removed and the ash treated as a solid waste. Perhaps some can be capped in place. There is no one-size-fits-all solution.

Beyond coal ash, addressing issues relating to water quality and quantity is critical. As our population grows, we need to protect the water we have and be more efficient in our use of it. We waste too much water, and I will push for more "water efficiency" through legislation.

One of the water issues that deserves continued attention relates to hydraulic fracturing, or "fracking." While fracking doesn't have to result in impaired water quality, we need to take a go-slow approach and learn from the mistakes that have occurred in other states.

Locally, an important issue is DuPont Recreational State Forest. My push will be to resolve the pollution issue relating to the plant site and facilitate the acquisition of the remaining acreage.

North Carolina seems recently to have taken steps backward in environmental enforcement. What will you do to better protect our natural resources?

Ronnie Edwards: I believe that I have the experience to evaluate these problems and search out the needed input from citizens in all walks of life in our state to make informed decisions on these and other environmental issues. We need a more involved citizenry that is willing to present ideas for solutions with a rational and balanced approach when it comes to providing a governmental response. I have witnessed that at times our elected officials have a bias toward one side or the other and I believe that it creates a poisoned atmosphere where relational discussions and solution evaluation is lost.

I would involve as many different segments of our society as is feasible to formulate approaches to these problems. I would not take "sides" in any discussion and be open to any and all viable solutions before making a decision.

I don't know that I would agree that, across the board, North Carolina has taken steps backward on environmental enforcement. The media coverage of the Duke coal ash spill that polluted the Dan River leads some to form the opinion that environmental enforcement is not being accomplished with all due diligence. I do not believe this is the picture that I get when surveying the state and this issue.

I believe we are witnessing a very detailed and concentrated discussion about fracking in our state, as one example. We must continue to encourage all interested parties to participate in these discussions on all issues environment-related. We must be open to the concerns of all of our citizens and the unique solutions that may be generated.

Chuck McGrady: I voted against the regulatory reform bill, primarily because of provisions related to environmental protection. While we need to repeal ineffective regulations, we cannot in a wholesale fashion repeal a host of environmental protections that are important in protecting our air and water. We also must adequately fund the Department of Environment & Natural Resources so it can effectively protect our air and water.

The Dan River coal ash spill reveals a failure in the way the state protects its citizens. What steps will you take to ensure that Duke Energy cleans up its coal ash ponds statewide?

Ronnie Edwards: The Dan River coal ash spill is an environmental catastrophe in its impact upon water quality, the plant life and the wildlife of that ecosystem, as well as surrounding areas, including eventually our oceans. All due diligence must go into determining exactly how this was allowed to happen and to provide solutions to mitigate its impact and to prevent similar disasters in the future. I do not believe that the taxpayers should be the "fall back" position to shoulder the economic requirements for the cleanup.

Chuck McGrady: Again, I'm one of the House leaders on this issue. I expect legislation to close the coal ash ponds and clean them up will pass in the upcoming legislation session. After passing the legislation, it will be important that the legislature continue to provide oversight to make sure they are cleaned up in a timely fashion.

<p>In advance of Tuesday's Republican primary election, members of the Environmental and Conservation Organization of Hendersonville posed a series of questions to candidates for the Henderson County Board of Commissioners and the District 117 seat in the N.C. House of Representatives.</p><!-- Nothing to do. The paragraph has already been output --><h3>Henderson County Board of Commissioners</h3>
<p>Commissioner Larry Young did not respond to the questionnaire. Young, an incumbent, faces William Lapsley in the race for the District 3 seat on the board. In District 1, incumbent Michael Edney faces challengers Andrew Riddle and Hogan Corn. In District 4, incumbent Tommy Thompson faces Tim Griffin.</p><p>The candidates submitted the following responses:</p><p><b>What are the most pressing environmental issues in the county and how do you plan to address them?</b></p><p>Hogan Corn: I do not see any real pressing environmental issues at this time.</p><p>Michael Edney: I don't think you can focus on only one aspect of our environment. We are blessed to be able to live in an area with pristine air, water and land — all of which play a vital role in preserving a quality of life envied by many. The one overriding issue is how to maintain the balance of growth and economic prosperity with preserving and protecting our natural resources. I think the question answers itself. Our natural resources are the key ingredient to growth and prosperity, and we cannot kill the goose that provides our golden eggs. </p><p>Tim Griffin: I think erosion control and stormwater runoff is a great concern. With the amount of rain we have had in the last year, normally stable areas are water-saturated and more likely to erode. Stormwater runoff is a concern with the amount of construction in the county. With this much pavement and concrete, without proper natural filters our streams will become polluted.</p><p>William Lapsley: The rapidly growing area around the city of Hendersonville has been developed for the most part on individual on-site septic systems for wastewater disposal. This is a method that was designed for rural areas. This is an impeding public health and environmental disaster that has not been stressed enough by the county commission. It seems to me that the commission should be promoting the expansion of the public wastewater infrastructure throughout the urbanizing area of the county.</p><p>Andrew Riddle: The most pressing issue is sediment/erosion failures at Seven Falls. The 1973 North Carolina Sedimentation Pollution Control Act "requires anyone involved in land-disturbing activities to take special precautions to reduce soil erosion and prevent sedimentation damage to waterways and property." Willful noncompliance is considered a class 2 misdemeanor and punishable by a fine of up to $5,000. As your commissioner, following existing laws to address Seven Falls would be a priority. I believe the county could support multiple recycling stations throughout Henderson County to help citizens access stations versus just one at the county transfer station. The third most pressing issue is lack of long-term planning for growth in Henderson County. A plan is paramount for success. Henderson County needs to grow responsibly while preserving our natural resources. Furthermore, Henderson County needs to negotiate a buy-back of our land, water rights and water treatment plant in Mills River.</p><p>Tommy Thompson: The most pressing issue is the preservation and quality of our water. I am particularly concerned because I have heard rumors of Spartanburg, S.C., drawing water from Lake Adger in Polk County. Lake Adger's headwaters are located in the Tuxedo/Green River area. It is vitally important that we preserve these headwaters, Lake Summit and Green River by not allowing this area to be Spartanburg's watershed.</p><p><b> Heavy rains recently caused a catastrophic mudslide in Washington state. North Carolina landslide maps indicate that a similar disaster could happen here unless building rules are put in place to protect residents. What steps will you take as commission to address landslide issues?</b></p><p>Hogan Corn: Soil testing and compaction tests.</p><p>Michael Edney: As a victim of a mudslide, this issue is near and dear to my heart. We are one of the few, lucky counties with good landslide maps. We must publicize and take advantage of these so that people do not build in the areas subject to slides. Education is the key.</p><p>Tim Griffin: I believe the county is taking proper steps to control dense construction on steep elevation. I feel continued study on steep terrain and sticking by the construction limits will prevent any further incidents such as Burntshirt Mountain, Bear Rock Estates from occurring again.</p><p>William Lapsley: The problem of natural slope failures is similar to that of natural flood zones. It seems to me that the county government has a responsibility to notify the community of where landslide problems have a high risk of occurrence. A study called "Slope Movement Hazard Maps of Henderson County" was completed in April 2011. As you might predict, the steeper-slope areas are the most suspect for problems. We should check with other communities around the country to see how they have dealt with this issue. If a person decides to construct a building on or adjacent to a potential landslide area, they should do so with the full knowledge of the risk of a disaster to their investment. By the same token, the county development standards should include some clear design guidelines for new construction in landslide-prone areas that will not enhance the risk of a landslide (such as clear cutting on a steep slope).</p><p>Andrew Riddle: Western North Carolina slopes are prone to landslides. As commissioner I would require it be "disclosed" information that property you own or plan to purchase be identified as prone to landslides according to USGS. However, property rights are paramount. If one chooses to risk his/her own life by building and living on landslide-prone property, it ought to remain their right.</p><p>Tommy Thompson: Landslides are natural catastrophic events. The landslide maps to which we have access indicate several areas in Henderson County where these events could occur. First, it is my opinion that the owners of designated properties where landslides are potential should be notified. Second, ordinances should require sellers and realtors to disclose this information. Third, special precautions as to foundations and slope elevations should be mandated for the residents' safety.</p><p><b>Seven Falls created millions of dollars of damage to the land and surrounding streams and the county spent months trying to resolve this debacle. What steps will you take to ensure that future development is done in an environmentally responsible way?</b></p><p>Hogan Corn: The project needed to be insured at a higher rate, but there is no way to hedge against as many variables as occurred in this development.</p><p>Michael Edney: We have already revised the Land Development Code to incorporate lessons learned from the debacle. Seven Falls was developed under the code adopted by the previous Board of Commissioners. Had the developer followed the development plan and the law, it would not be in the mess it is in, but he didn't and is now sitting in federal prison. We as a community learned that the best way to protect ourselves from such in the future is to require developers to build in phases — finishing one thing before starting the next! </p><p>Tim Griffin: The added land-use requirements, such as requiring a minimum of 25 percent of the on-site improvements, requiring all permits must be in hand before construction. Funding being released as construction completes stages. Frequent inspections of the property by the land-use inspectors and site architect and if possible an environmental engineer. Bonding continuing in phases.</p><p>William Lapsley: There are already enough regulations in place to protect our natural resources from the impacts of new development. The recent impacts from the Seven Falls project were directly related to that particular project's financial collapse. The recent development regulation changes approved by county commissioners will significantly reduce the risk to the land buyers and the environment; however, we all need to understand that the risk cannot be totally removed.</p><p>Andrew Riddle: The environmental damage Seven Falls has and continues to create can be been prevented by enforcing existing laws. As a licensed general contractor in North Carolina, I would be fined $5,000 per day for not abiding by the rules. Henderson County should play by the same rules. As your next commissioner, I would ask the judge to release a portion of the remaining $5 million awarded to Henderson County from the bonding agency to deal with the sedimentation/erosion problems at Seven Falls. I am not a proponent of creating new laws when we will not abide by the ones we have. </p><p>Tommy Thompson: First, we cannot forbid developers subdividing property. Seven Falls is a most unfortunate environmental situation. Some would have you believe that the debacle was caused by a lack of oversight by Henderson County; however, the real failure to react, causing the problems, lies with the State of North Carolina and the Army Corps of Engineers. We as county commissioners are presently working and enacting ordinances which change the land use code to help prevent catastrophes like this being repeated. We are particularly making sure that large parcels are broken into smaller parcels and that a certain percentage of the work is completed before the next stage can commence. In addition, the first stage must also be competed to that same percentage before plats are filed and recorded. Should a developer fail to properly perform on any permit, then all permits will be rescinded. The Henderson County Planning Board is in the process of and will continue to evaluate ordinances as they apply to land development and advise the commissioners of recommended changes.</p><h3>N.C. House District 117</h3>
<p>Incumbent Chuck McGrady faces Ronnie Edwards in the Republican primary.</p><p><b>What are the most pressing environmental issues in North Carolina? How do you plan to address them as a state legislator?</b></p><p>Ronnie Edwards: I believe that it's very difficult and somewhat misleading to point to one particular environmental problem and declare that it is the most pressing issue in North Carolina while ignoring all others. I believe that protection of our environment is one of the most important tasks that any elected official takes on when assuming an office. We must do all we can to preserve our natural resources and our diverse natural resources for our succeeding generations. I approach environmental issues from the point of view that we must maintain a balance between protection and rational use of our natural resources. </p><p>I believe that on a "short list" of issues that I think about are: the evaluation of the fracking process and whether it can be done in an environmentally sound manner; the quality of our air and water and the impact that a growing population and increased demand will have; the current process of storing environmentally damaging chemicals and by-products of business such as coal ash and nuclear waste and how we may be able to reduce and better handle the amount of waste that is produced by living that's sent to landfills in our state and to other states.</p><p>Chuck McGrady: The most pressing environmental issue is the coal ash issue. Following the Dan River spill and the realization that other coal ash ponds and pits are polluting our waters, I expect the legislature will address the issue. I am one of the House leaders on this issue, and I expect legislation will close existing coal ash ponds and require the cleanup of all of them. </p><p>The coal ash ponds and pits will each require different solutions — some will have to be completely removed and the ash treated as a solid waste. Perhaps some can be capped in place. There is no one-size-fits-all solution.</p><p>Beyond coal ash, addressing issues relating to water quality and quantity is critical. As our population grows, we need to protect the water we have and be more efficient in our use of it. We waste too much water, and I will push for more "water efficiency" through legislation.</p><p>One of the water issues that deserves continued attention relates to hydraulic fracturing, or "fracking." While fracking doesn't have to result in impaired water quality, we need to take a go-slow approach and learn from the mistakes that have occurred in other states. </p><p>Locally, an important issue is DuPont Recreational State Forest. My push will be to resolve the pollution issue relating to the plant site and facilitate the acquisition of the remaining acreage. </p><p><b>North Carolina seems recently to have taken steps backward in environmental enforcement. What will you do to better protect our natural resources?</b></p><p>Ronnie Edwards: I believe that I have the experience to evaluate these problems and search out the needed input from citizens in all walks of life in our state to make informed decisions on these and other environmental issues. We need a more involved citizenry that is willing to present ideas for solutions with a rational and balanced approach when it comes to providing a governmental response. I have witnessed that at times our elected officials have a bias toward one side or the other and I believe that it creates a poisoned atmosphere where relational discussions and solution evaluation is lost. </p><p>I would involve as many different segments of our society as is feasible to formulate approaches to these problems. I would not take "sides" in any discussion and be open to any and all viable solutions before making a decision.</p><p>I don't know that I would agree that, across the board, North Carolina has taken steps backward on environmental enforcement. The media coverage of the Duke coal ash spill that polluted the Dan River leads some to form the opinion that environmental enforcement is not being accomplished with all due diligence. I do not believe this is the picture that I get when surveying the state and this issue.</p><p>I believe we are witnessing a very detailed and concentrated discussion about fracking in our state, as one example. We must continue to encourage all interested parties to participate in these discussions on all issues environment-related. We must be open to the concerns of all of our citizens and the unique solutions that may be generated.</p><p>Chuck McGrady: I voted against the regulatory reform bill, primarily because of provisions related to environmental protection. While we need to repeal ineffective regulations, we cannot in a wholesale fashion repeal a host of environmental protections that are important in protecting our air and water. We also must adequately fund the Department of Environment & Natural Resources so it can effectively protect our air and water.</p><p><b>The Dan River coal ash spill reveals a failure in the way the state protects its citizens. What steps will you take to ensure that Duke Energy cleans up its coal ash ponds statewide?</b></p><p>Ronnie Edwards: The Dan River coal ash spill is an environmental catastrophe in its impact upon water quality, the plant life and the wildlife of that ecosystem, as well as surrounding areas, including eventually our oceans. All due diligence must go into determining exactly how this was allowed to happen and to provide solutions to mitigate its impact and to prevent similar disasters in the future. I do not believe that the taxpayers should be the "fall back" position to shoulder the economic requirements for the cleanup. </p><p>Chuck McGrady: Again, I'm one of the House leaders on this issue. I expect legislation to close the coal ash ponds and clean them up will pass in the upcoming legislation session. After passing the legislation, it will be important that the legislature continue to provide oversight to make sure they are cleaned up in a timely fashion.</p>